Weiqing Zheng | Developmental Cell Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Dr. Weiqing Zheng | Developmental Cell Biology | Excellence in Research Award

Dr. Weiqing Zheng , Hainan Medical University , China

Dr. Weiqing Zheng is an Associate Professor at Hainan Medical University, China. He obtained his doctoral degree from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. He has dedicated over 14 years to research at the Nanchang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, primarily focusing on the prevention and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases. Since February 2023, he has joined Hainan Medical University, where his work centers on tick-microbe interactions and their impact on tick growth and development. Zheng is widely known for his studies on Coxiella symbionts in ticks, contributing to understanding tick ecology and disease transmission. He has authored 11 journal papers and published two books. His research has been recognized with several citations, and his work continues to shape the understanding of tick biology and its implications for public health.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

Dr. Weiqing Zheng’s research contributions are highly impactful in the field of tick biology and vector-borne diseases. His work on tick-microbe interactions, especially the role of the endosymbiont Coxiella in regulating tick growth and development, is groundbreaking and has the potential to influence both basic science and public health. His systematic exploration of tick distribution patterns in China, including the Poyang Lake region and Hainan province, adds substantial value to the field of epidemiology. Additionally, Dr. Zheng’s contribution to tick-borne disease research, as well as his ongoing projects and publications, demonstrate his commitment to advancing our understanding of tick biology and its implications for disease transmission.

His high citation index, with 2,866 Research Interest Score, 307 citations, and an h-index of 30, further attests to the impact and relevance of his research. Furthermore, his involvement in editorial appointments, collaborations, and industry consultancy indicates his leadership role in the research community.

Areas for Improvements:

While Dr. Zheng’s research and academic output are impressive, a stronger emphasis on collaborative projects with international research institutions could further expand the global impact of his work. Engaging in broader outreach, such as public health initiatives and awareness programs, could also help translate his findings into actionable measures for tick-borne disease prevention. Additionally, as two of his books are still in publication, the availability of finalized publications could strengthen his overall academic portfolio.

Experience:

Dr. Weiqing Zheng’s extensive career spans over 14 years in the field of tick biology and vector-borne diseases. Beginning his career at the Nanchang Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, Zheng focused on the epidemiology and control of ticks and tick-borne diseases, publishing his findings on tick distribution and pathogen prevalence. He has made significant contributions to understanding tick populations in Hainan Province and surrounding areas, addressing public health concerns in regions prone to tick-borne diseases. In February 2023, Zheng joined Hainan Medical University as an Associate Professor, where he shifted focus to studying tick-microbe interactions and their influence on tick growth and development. His expertise includes the regulation of tick growth by Coxiella symbionts, a topic he is currently investigating in-depth. He is a key figure in tick-borne disease research in China and has contributed to international research on tick ecology, with notable publications in well-regarded journals.

Research Focus:

Dr. Zheng’s research focuses on the complex interactions between ticks and microbes, specifically investigating how symbiotic microbes, like Coxiella, influence tick biology, growth, and development. His work explores how microbial endosymbionts regulate tick reproduction, survival, and fitness, with particular emphasis on their role in tick-borne disease transmission. Zheng’s studies also delve into tick ecology, including the distribution and prevalence of ticks and tick-borne pathogens across various regions of China. His research aims to enhance the understanding of tick-microbe interactions, offering insights that could lead to more effective control and prevention strategies for tick-borne diseases. Zheng has contributed to the identification of novel microbial symbionts, and his ongoing research aims to uncover mechanisms by which these microbes affect tick physiology. His work has broad implications for public health, particularly in areas affected by tick-borne diseases such as Lyme disease and Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus found in Northern Jiangxi Province, China 🦠

  2. Identification and Characterization of Rhipicephalus microplus ATAQ Homolog from Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks and Its Immunogenic Potential as an Anti-Tick Vaccine Candidate Molecule πŸœπŸ”¬

  3. Coxiella R1 symbiont regulates the Asian long-horned tick on its reproduction and development πŸ¦—

Conclusion:

Dr. Zheng’s achievements and contributions to tick biology, especially his exploration of tick-microbe interactions and the regulation of tick growth, make him a strong candidate for the Research for Excellence in Research Award. His research has significant implications for tick-borne disease prevention and control, which aligns with both scientific advancement and public health priorities. Given his strong publication record, citation impact, and the innovative nature of his work, Dr. Zheng is undoubtedly a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.

 

 

 

Ting LI | Cellular Microenvironment Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Posted on by sciencefather

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ting LI | Cellular Microenvironment Interactions | Women Researcher Award

Assoc. prof. Dr. Ting Li , College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University , China

Dr. Ting Li is a Vice Dean, Associate Professor, and Doctoral Supervisor at the College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, Shaanxi Normal University, China. She earned her Ph.D. from Hong Kong Baptist University in 2017, fully supported by a scholarship. Over the past 5 years, she has focused on dietary nutrition and gut health, contributing significantly to these fields. Dr. Li has authored over 40 SCI papers, including a high-impact publication in Cell Metabolism. Her academic achievements also include publishing an academic monograph and leading 14 research projects, with eight at provincial or national levels. She has been awarded the Shaanxi Youth Science Star and participated in projects receiving the Shaanxi Provincial Science and Technology Award. As a researcher, she has made notable strides in uncovering novel mechanisms in nutrition and gut microbiome interactions.

Publication Profile:

Scopus

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Exceptional Research Contributions:
    Dr. Ting Li has made groundbreaking contributions to the field of food nutrition and gut microbiota. Notably, her research on stachyose’s novel function in regulating exosomal miRNAs in the gut has been published in top-tier journals such as Cell Metabolism. This is a highly innovative finding, challenging previous assumptions about oligosaccharides and opening new avenues in gut health research.
  2. Impressive Publication Record:
    With over 40 peer-reviewed publications in SCI journals, Dr. Li demonstrates not only a consistent output of high-quality research but also a strong ability to address pressing scientific questions related to diet, gut microbiota, and metabolic disorders. Her work is widely recognized in the academic community, as evidenced by the significant citations of her papers.
  3. Leadership in Research:
    Dr. Li is leading 14 research projects, many of which are provincial or national in scope. She has also been recognized with prestigious honors like the Shaanxi Youth Science Star award, showcasing her leadership role in advancing scientific knowledge in her field.
  4. Recognition and Impact:
    Her research has direct implications for improving human health, such as her work on dietary interventions for metabolic disorders and inflammatory bowel diseases. Her contributions are not only academically significant but also have the potential to influence public health policy and industry practices.
  5. International Collaboration and Editorial Role:
    As a young editorial board member of the Journal of Food Science and Technology and efood, Dr. Li is actively involved in shaping the future of food science research. Her collaborations further extend the global impact of her work.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Industry Engagement:
    While Dr. Li has an extensive academic portfolio, expanding her work into direct industry applications (such as consulting, product development, or partnerships with food or health industries) could further enhance the practical impact of her research.
  2. Wider Outreach and Advocacy:
    While Dr. Li’s academic contributions are commendable, increasing her involvement in public engagement, such as in public health education, could raise awareness about the importance of dietary nutrition and gut health. This could involve outreach programs, public talks, or educational campaigns targeting broader audiences.
  3. Building Mentorship Programs:
    As a doctoral supervisor, Dr. Li has the opportunity to expand her mentoring role, guiding more students and early-career researchers, particularly women in science, and creating a more inclusive research environment.\

Education:

Dr. Ting Li’s educational journey began with a scholarship from Hong Kong to pursue a Ph.D. at Hong Kong Baptist University, where she obtained her degree in 2017. This opportunity marked a pivotal point in her academic development, fostering her deep interest in food science and nutrition. Her Ph.D. research focused on the complex relationships between food, gut microbiota, and metabolic health, laying the foundation for her future work. Since completing her doctorate, Dr. Li has joined Shaanxi Normal University, where she has continued her studies in food engineering, specifically within the fields of dietary nutrition and gut health. Her academic success, including publishing more than 40 peer-reviewed articles, reflects her dedication to advancing the understanding of nutrition’s role in promoting health, and her ongoing research focuses on innovative ways to improve gut microbiome health.

Experience:

Dr. Ting Li has extensive experience as an academic and researcher. After earning her Ph.D. in 2017, she joined Shaanxi Normal University, where she quickly established herself as a leader in the fields of food science, nutrition, and gut microbiome research. She is currently a Vice Dean and Associate Professor at the College of Food Engineering and Nutritional Science, also supervising doctoral students. Dr. Li has led 14 research projects, eight of which are at the provincial or national levels. She has authored over 40 research articles, with notable publications in Cell Metabolism and other high-impact journals. In addition, Dr. Li has published an academic monograph and contributed significantly to understanding dietary influences on gut health. Her work has been recognized with several accolades, including the Shaanxi Youth Science Star award. As a professional member of the Shaanxi Food Science and Technology Society and other nutrition-related organizations, she plays an active role in promoting scientific research.

Research Focus:

Dr. Ting Li’s primary research focuses on the relationship between dietary nutrition, gut health, and microbiome dynamics. Specifically, her work explores how various dietary components, including functional oligosaccharides and polyphenols, interact with gut microbiota and influence metabolic health. Dr. Li has uncovered new functions of indigestible stachyose, which alters exosomal miRNA profiles in small intestinal epithelial cells to reshape the gut microbiota. This finding challenges the conventional view of oligosaccharides as simple pass-through agents in the digestive system. Her research also delves into how food-derived nanoparticles, such as exosome-like particles from broccoli and garlic, can alleviate gut-related disorders. Additionally, her work extends into the therapeutic potential of food compounds to treat conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and colitis. Dr. Li’s research offers valuable insights into the nutritional properties of functional foods and their potential for enhancing gut health.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Nondigestible stachyose binds membranous HSP90Ξ² on small intestinal epithelium to regulate the exosomal miRNAs: A new function and mechanism. πŸ§¬πŸ“– (Cell Metabolism, 2024)
  2. Peu-MIR2916-p3-enriched garlic exosomes ameliorate murine colitis by reshaping gut microbiota, especially by boosting the anti-colitic Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron. πŸ§„πŸ”¬ (Pharmacological Research, 2024)
  3. Broccoli-derived exosome-like nanoparticles alleviate loperamide induced constipation, in correlation with regulation on gut microbiota and tryptophan metabolism. πŸ₯¦πŸ’© (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2023) (Cover)
  4. Roundup-induced gut dysbiosis, irrelevant to aromatic amino acid deficiency, impairs the gut function in rats. 🚜πŸ’₯ (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2024) (Cover)
  5. Extracellular vesicle miRNAs as key mediators in diet-gut microbiome-host interplay. 🧬🌱 (Trends in Food Science & Technology, 2023)
  6. Effects of Fu brick tea polysaccharides on gut microbiota and fecal metabolites of HFD/STZ-induced type 2 diabetes rats. πŸ΅πŸ’Š (Food & Function, 2023)
  7. Polyphenols and pectin enriched golden kiwifruit alleviates high fructose-induced glucolipid disorders and hepatic oxidative damage in rats. πŸ₯πŸ‡ (Food Science and Human Wellness, 2023)
  8. Heimao tea polysaccharides ameliorate obesity by enhancing gut microbiota-dependent adipocytes thermogenesis in mice fed with high fat diet. πŸƒπŸ”₯ (Food & Function, 2022)
  9. Protective effect of coriander on high-fructose and high-salt diet-induced hypertension: relevant to improvement of renal and intestinal function. 🌿πŸ’ͺ (Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2022)
  10. Luteolin binds Src, promotes STAT3 protein ubiquitination and exerts anti-melanoma effects in cell and mouse models. 🍊🦠 (Biochemical Pharmacology, 2022)

Conclusion:

Dr. Ting Li is a highly deserving candidate for the Women Researcher Award. Her outstanding contributions to food science and nutrition, combined with her leadership in research and publication, make her an exemplary figure in her field. The novelty and potential impact of her work, particularly in understanding the role of dietary components on gut health and microbiota, distinguish her as an innovator. Her academic success and recognition underscore her role as a rising star in the global scientific community, and the award would further empower her to continue her impactful research.